Sri Lankan team defeats Pakistan in all the three matches of Twenty 20 Series International between the sides at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman, chasing the score of 148 after being bowled by the bowler Kasun Rajitha on the first inning of Pakistan. Opener Babar Azam and batsman Haris Sohail make a partnership of 76 runs to provide a solid platform for the Pakistani Team.
As the pressure started mounting of a rising required run-rate, Babar tried to shot a six but was caught behind by wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama off the bowling of fast-bowler Lahiru Kumara after scoring 27 runs off 32 deliveries. Sohail fell soon after Babar was caught, attempting a wild slog, Sohail got stumped by Samarawickrama off the bowling of leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.
Pakistan’s batting order then falls apart under the pressure from the Sri Lankan bowlers. All-rounder Imad Wasim, Batsmen Asif Ali and Sarfaraz Ahmed were taken down in quick succession to leave Pakistan struggling.
All-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed and Wahab Riaz then tried to pull their way out of trouble but finished 13 runs before the finish line at the end of their allotted overs.Wahab Riaz and Iftikhar Ahmed remained unbeaten on 17 runs off 6 deliveries.
Earlier, Sri Lanka took off a shaky start with both openers departing in quick succession after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
Opener Danushka Gunathilaka was the first to leave the field after being bowled by fast-bowler Mohammad Amir. Fellow opener Sadeera Samarawickrama soon followed after being caught leg-before wicket (LBW) by all-rounder Imad Wasim, scoring 12 runs off 12 deliveries. More wickets were taken down, as batsmen Bhanuka Rajapaksa, who was awarded player of the match in the second T20I, and Angelo Perera wickets were taken in quick succession to struggle at 58 for four.
The fall of wickets, however, did not hold Sri Lanka’s back as batsmen Oshada Fernando and Dasun Shanaka had a partnership for a 76-run partnership that provided a solid foundation for the team. Fernando was the main aggressor in the partnership contributing 56 runs off 35 deliveries while Shanaka contributed 12 runs of 25 balls.
Tailender Lahiru Madushanka tried to provide impetus to Sri Lanka’s innings but was caught by fielder
Ifitkhar Ahmed off the bowling of Amir. Fernando continued his fine form and remained unbeaten after scoring 78 off 48 deliveries to 147 for seven in their allotted overs.
For his shinning performance, Hasaranga bagged the awards for the man of the match and player of the series.
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